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Now until Apr. 17th Congressional Art Competition Incumbent Fourth District Rep. Mike Ezell has officially opened submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, inviting high school students across Mississippi’s Fourth Congressional District to participate.
This program offers young artists the chance to showcase their creativity, with the winning piece earning a one-year display in the U.S. Capitol.
Eligible entries must be original, two-dimensional works such as paintings, drawings, or photography, and must be submitted by the April 17 deadline.
Interested students, parents, and teachers can find full regulations and submission details on the Congressman’s official website or by contacting his district office.
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Now until June 1st Registration for City of Laurel 2026 Summer Youth Baseball Season
Takes place at Laurel's Parks & Recreation Office.
The program offers leagues for various age groups, including T-Ball, Coach Pitch, and Player Pitch, with a registration fee of $30.
Additionally, the city is seeking volunteer coaches and assistant coaches, all of whom must pass a mandatory background check.
For more details, call 601-428-6452.
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Monthly until July 7th Hattiesburg Zoo Is hosting a series of Homeschool Days with each session focusing on a specific animal habitat.
Programs run from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., but participants can enter at 8:30 a.m. for exclusive early access before the public arrives.
The sessions focus on the following.
\ May 5th: Deserts
\ June 2nd: Wetlands
\ July 7th: Jungles
Students will explore four self-paced activity stations throughout the zoo followed by a special animal encounter at the Giraffe Pavilion.
The morning also features a Nature Swap, where children can trade nature-based treasures with zoo staff and other participants.
After the scheduled activities conclude, families are invited to stay and enjoy the zoo at their leisure for the remainder of the day.
Advanced reservations are required, with discounted rates available for annual zoo pass holders.
https://hattiesburgzoo.connectngo.com/en/tag/education-program -
Apr. 14th Jones County Housing & Hope Initiative Will hosting a community roundtable at the Laurel library to address local homelessness.
The event invites leaders, organizations, and citizens to share resources and build collaborative partnerships during a working lunch.
The group's ultimate goal is to strengthen support systems and create clear pathways toward stable housing for those in need.
For more details, call 601-422-7575.
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Apr. 18th Healthy Kids Day Takes place from 10 a.m. until noon at the YMCA in Hattiesburg and Petal. Get ready for a day full of energy, learning and family fun. Healthy Kids Day is your chance to explore new ways to help your kids stay active, confident and thriving this summer. From hands-on activities to movement challenges, we’re here to kickstart a season of healthy habits. Free and open to the public.
ymcasems.org/ (website has sections for the Hattiesburg and Petal locations) -
Apr. 19th-25th Friends of the Laurel-Jones County Library Will host their 3rd Annual Book Fair at Sawmill Square Mall in Laurel.
The fair will be located near Center Court, behind Classic Cookie. The hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A wide variety of items will be available for purchase, including used books, DVDs, and audiobooks. Be sure to check out the special events scheduled throughout the week.
For more details on the following, call 601-428-4313 ext.104
\ Sunday, April 19, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.: Shop & Mingle. This is a special time for Friends members to shop the Book Fair and meet with other Friends of the Laurel-Jones County Library System. If you aren’t a member yet, you can join at the event.
\ Monday, April 20, 4:30 p.m.: Author Kimberly Barrett will discuss her book, “Rethinking Race: A Memoir.”
\ Tuesday, April 21, 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.: LOTTIE the Trolley will be visiting the Mall. Stop by and see what LOTTIE has to offer.
\ Tuesday, April 21, 5 p.m.: The Friends will welcome columnist and Navy veteran Buck Torske. Mr. Torske will speak about “How To Be A Hero: Why Writing Matters and Why You Matter!”
\ Friday, April 24, 2 p.m.: Author Lollie Wheat will share her new book, “Barefoot Beginnings: Beneath the Magnolia.”
\ Friday, April 24, 5 p.m.: The Book Fair closes early so the Friends can host Free Family Bingo at the Laurel Library from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
\ Saturday, April 25: Half-Price Day at the Book Fair. Additionally, teachers (with a school ID) will receive free books for their classrooms.
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Apr. 24th The Nelons Performing at 7 p.m. at Trinity First Baptist Church in Waynesboro (500 Boyles Road). No tickets required. For more details, call the church at 601-735-5311.
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Apr. 25th Wayne County High School Football Program Is hosting its 2026 War Eagle Classic Car Show at the stadium parking lot in Waynesboro.
This community fundraiser features registration from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by judging and awards to benefit local student-athletes.
For more details, call 601-410-3759.
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Apr. 30th Mississippi Center for Legal Services Will host a free legal outreach clinic at the Laurel-Jones County Library from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Jones County residents can receive assistance with a variety of matters, including housing, family issues, public benefits, and the drafting of essential documents like wills and powers of attorney.
For more details, call the library 601-428-4313, extension 104.
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Editor's Note
For more events, please click on the second arrow button from the right. The two central arrow buttons will advance this calendar backward and forward one page.
If you're looking for the ongoing events we talk about, they're listed at or near the end of our calendar. The best thing to do is click on the rightmost arrow button below.
Thanks for letting Pine Belt Radio and thepinebelt.com serve you.
Doug Morris
doug@pinebeltradio.com
